Work for Us

Described by the National Journal as a think and do tank that is "winning plaudits from both parties, and from experts worldwide," the United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent conflict, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity worldwide. The Institute does this by empowering others with knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as by directly engaging in peacebuilding efforts around the globe.

In order to achieve the above goals, the Institute undertakes a unique combination of activities, including the following:

• Operating on-the-ground in zones of conflict, most recently in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Colombia, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sudan, and Uganda.
• Performing cutting edge research resulting in more than 400 publications for practitioners, policymakers, and academia.
• Identifying best practices and developing innovative peacebuilding tools.
• Training practitioners on conflict management techniques – including mediation and negotiation skills.
• Educating emerging generations about conflict, strengthening related secondary school, college, and university curricula, and increasing the peacebuilding capabilities of future leaders.
• Supporting policymakers by providing analyses, policy options, and advice, as well as by sponsoring a wide range of country-oriented working groups (e.g., the Iraq Study Group; the Task Force on the United Nations; and standing working groups on Afghanistan, Cote d'Ivoire, DRC, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Korea, Liberia, Syria, and Sudan).
• Informing academia, the media, and the public through a wide range of materials, publications, and events.

This is an exciting time of increased impact and visibility for USIP.

Staff/Contractor Positions

We are currently looking for outstanding talent with the knowledge and know-how to build a more peaceful world. If you are interested in joining our team, we invite you to apply online today! Visit our job listings to begin the process.

Student Positions

Students currently enrolled in colleges and universities in the Washington, D.C. area have an opportunity to work at USIP through paid part-time research assistant positions. For more information on this program, please visit the Research Assistant Program page.

Recent Graduates

Recent graduates are generally hired as Program Assistants. The ideal candidates will have a degree in international relations or a related field and high academic achievement. Regional specialization and language skills may also be required for some positions. In addition to the academic requirements, applicants should have related work and/or internship experience, with exceptional administrative, research, writing, and computer skills. Visit our job listings to view current openings.

Internship Positions

At this time the Institute does not offer internships. Our authorizing legislation precludes the acceptance of services on a donated or volunteered basis, and other considerations have precluded the establishment of a compensated intern program or a qualifying educational program at this time that would fulfill our legal requirements.

Thank you for your interest in a position at the United States Institute of Peace.

Please note: USIP is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.